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Montzka ends year as board chairman with summary remarksBy MaryHelen Swanson Commissioner Ben Montzka chaired his last county board meeting Monday, Dec. 29 and closed it with some summary remarks about what he feels was accomplished during the year. Highlights he included were: ï A formal review of the countyís land use comprehensive plan and related zoning ordinance was started and is underway. ï An interim zoning ordinance was enacted to protect two of the most scenic rivers in the state. ï The county board worked with staff to resolve emergency shortfalls in the 2003 budget due to significant state funding cuts. ï The budget and levy for 2004 received 4/5th of the boardís support. He attributed the success to hard work by Commissioners Mike Robinson and Lora Walker, members of the budget committee. He also noted that it was done without any layoffs. ï The board prioritized the I-35 bridge in North Branch as top of the transportation needs with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the federal government. ï And the board moved ahead to improve community library services by approving the construction of three new library buildings. ìIn conclusion,î he said, ìI am certain that we as a board will rise to the challenges of the new year with a genuine commitment to leadership. ©ECM Post Review |